Helen S. Hendrickson

Helen S. Hendrickson, 98, of French River, passed away May 27, 2025 at her home of over 75 years. She was born October 27, 1926 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, MN to John and Aili Silander, and she shared the hospital nursery with her future husband Ken Hendrickson, who was born four days later. Helen grew up in the loving home of her seta, tati, and sister Irja on the Bergquist Road in French River. She attended Bloomingdale School and graduated as valedictorian from Clover Valley High School in 1944, along with Ken. He then joined the NAVY and Helen moved into town to work for Northwestern Bell until he returned home from service. They were married in 1947 and eventually moved to the Hendrickson farm in French River where they both worked, farmed, raised children, hosted game nights with friends, helped neighbors, served their community and church, and welcomed all who sat at the coffee table.

After raising their four children, Helen worked as the North Shore Community School librarian until her retirement. She was deeply rooted in her community as a member of French River Lutheran Church, volunteer for North Shore School, and a dues-paying Homesteader. She organized social events, including the annual Come On Home community gathering; she mentored many young minds as they passed through the local elementary school; and her funeral hotdish was a staple at church potlucks. When her social calendar didn’t demand her attention, you could find her tending to her flower gardens, baking a fresh batch of “Ken’s Breakfast” oatmeal cookies, preparing a meal for her weekly family supper, reading, sewing or embroidering, completing the daily paper’s crossword in ink, or recording bird species observed at the feeder. Helen was an example of a well lived life and a life well served. Many have been blessed by her work, spirit and love.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth; son, Daniel; son-in-law, Donald Byerly Jr.; and sister Irja (Ray) Houghtaling. She is survived by her children Christine Byerly, Peter (LouAnn) Hendrickson, and Kathryn (David) Edblom; eight grandchildren and their spouses, sixteen great- grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at French River Lutheran Church on Saturday, June 14, with visitation at 10 AM, service at 11 AM, and luncheon following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to French River Lutheran Church and/or North Shore Community School Endowment Fund.